The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 20, 2004
Filed:
Jul. 17, 2002
Ryan S. Eddington, Dallas City, IL (US);
BIC Corporation, Mildford, CT (US);
Abstract
A mechanism for automatically adjusting the chamber length in a writing instrument to accommodate refills of different lengths. The mechanism comprises at least first and second elements operably engaged with each other. When contacted by a refill, the second element automatically moves from a first position associated with a first chamber length to a second position associated with a second chamber length. A biasing member may releasably hold the second element in the first position. In one embodiment third element is fitted within the second element, and is operably and movably engaged with the first and second elements. When contacted by a refill, the third element automatically moves from a first position associated with a first chamber length to a second position associated with a second chamber length. A method of using an automatically-adjusting refill seat mechanism is also disclosed.